As part of the response to coronavirus (COVID-19), educational settings have been asked to continue to provide care for a limited number of children and young people – those who are vulnerable (including those with an education, health and care (EHC) plan), and those whose parents or carers are critical to the coronavirus (COVID-19) response. It is important to underline that all educational settings remain safe places for children and young people.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): SEND risk assessment guidance written with input and steers from SEND sector organisations – this guidance builds on the COVID-19 guidance on vulnerable children and young people guidance published on 22 March, and explains the practicalities for local authorities and other providers in undertaking risk assessments for vulnerable children and young people with education, health and care plans, in light of school and college closures.

The Department for Education are asking local authorities to work with educational providers, families and the child or young person to carry out a risk assessment to judge whether the child or young person’s needs cannot be met safely at home. Where the risk assessment determines a child or young person with an EHC plan will be as safe or safer at an educational setting, it may be more appropriate for them to attend the educational setting.